Sports accessory

ABSTRACT

A sport training and organization (STO) device, comprising: a base plate, a bucket, and a tee. The bucket is connected with the base plate and has an opening at one end distal from the base plate. The tee is connected with the bucket.

BACKGROUND

Many persons participate in varied sports and/or sporting activities including football, baseball, soccer, softball, tennis, or the like. Participants in the various sports practice in order to improve one or more sport skills. All manner of devices are used by sport participants to practice one or more sport skills.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It is noted that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.

FIG. 1 is a view of a sport training and organization (STO) device in a use mode, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 1A is a view of another sport training and organization (STO) device in a use mode, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a view of the STO device in a maximum height extension, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2A is another view of the STO device of FIG. 1A, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a top, perspective view of the STO device, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of the STO device of FIG. 3, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is another cross-section view of the STO device of FIG. 3 with two additional buckets nested inside, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is another cross-section view of the STO device of FIG. 3 with one bucket nested inside and with a tee in an extended position, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7 is another cross-section view of the STO device of FIG. 3 with one bucket on top of the STO device and the tee in an extended position, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 8 is another cross-section view of the STO device of FIG. 3 with two additional buckets stacked on top each other and on the STO device and the tee in an extended position, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 9 is another cross-section view of the STO device of FIG. 3 with an additional bucket positioned at an angle on the tee in an extended position, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 10 is another cross-section view of the STO device of FIG. 3 with an additional bucket positioned at substantially an angle perpendicular to the STO device and on the tee in an extended position, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a view of a front side of a secondary bucket for use with the STO device of FIG. 3, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a view of a rear side of the secondary bucket of FIG. 11, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 13 is top, perspective exploded view of the STO device of FIG. 3 along with two additional buckets, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of the STO device of FIG. 3, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 15 is a top, perspective view of a lid for the STO device of FIG. 3, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the lid of FIG. 15, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of the lid of FIG. 15, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 18 is a top, perspective view of another embodiment of the STO device of FIG. 3.

FIG. 19 is a cross-section view of the STO device of FIG. 18, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 20 is a cross-section view of the STO device of FIG. 18 along with two additional buckets, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 21 is a top, perspective exploded view of the STO device of FIG. 20, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 22 is a plan view of the STO device of FIG. 18 in an unlocked state, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 23 is a plan view of the STO device of FIG. 18 in a locked state, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an STO device in a baseball net configuration, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of the provided subject matter. Specific examples of components, values, operations, materials, arrangements, or the like, are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. Other components, values, operations, materials, arrangements, or the like, are contemplated. For example, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed between the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed.

Further, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.

FIG. 1

FIG. 1 depicts the sport training and organization (STO) device, also referred to hereinafter as the Baseball Ninja, in a batting tee mode. Illustrated here is how a container 101, also referred to hereinafter as a bucket 101, is fixed to the base plate 102 which is also affixed to a center holding tube 103 which houses a batting tee 104. In at least some embodiments, center holding tube 103 is made of rubber. In at least some embodiments, center holding tube 103 is made of plastic or another similar material.

In at least some embodiments, batting tee 104 is made of a rubber tube. In at least some embodiments, a cross-section of tube 103 and tee 104 is circular. In at least some embodiments, a cross-section of tube 103 and tee 104 is rectangular, oval, or another shape. In at least some embodiments, a cross-section of tube 103 differs from a cross-section of tee 104. In at least some embodiments, tube 103 has an external diameter of less than 2.5 inches. In at least some embodiments, tube 103 has a larger or smaller external diameter.

The height of batting tee 104 is adjustable with the tube sliding up and down inside the holding tube 103. In at least some embodiments, batting tee 104 is friction fit inside holding tube 103 enabling the tee to remain at a selected height by the friction and/or pressure between tube 103 and tee 104.

A strap 105 is attached to the bucket to allow for manual transport. In at least some embodiments, strap 105 is attached at only one side of bucket 101.

FIG. 1A

FIG. 1A depicts another embodiment of the sport training and organization device in batting tee mode. Illustrated here is how, according to this embodiment, to set the batting tee at a fixed height, holes 105 extending transversely in the holding tube and the rubber tee are aligned and a pin, e.g., a cotter pin or the like, is placed into aligned holes 105 in the tee 104 and the holding tube 103.

FIG. 2

FIG. 2 depicts the tee profile at an extended height of the FIG. 1 embodiment. The center tube 104 adjusts up and down inside the center tube 103. It also displays the added stability provided by the base plate 102 by widening the product's footprint thus reducing the chance of the product tipping over. The baseplate has the dimensions of a standard baseball home plate. In at least some embodiments, base plate 102 is a five-sided shape having a one edge 17 inches in length, two adjacent side 8.5 inches in length, and two remaining sides 12 inches in length. In at least some embodiments, other shapes and/or sizes of base plate 102 are usable. The bucket, baseplate and center tube are all connected. The center tube 104 is removable.

FIG. 2A

FIG. 2A depicts the tee profile of the FIG. 1A embodiment at max height by aligning the hole in the center tube 103 with the lowest hole in the batting tee 104 and securing these together with a pin 106. The batting tee 104 adjusts up and down inside the center tube 103. Added stability is provided by the baseplate 102 by widening the STO device's footprint thus reducing the chance of the device tipping over. The baseplate has the dimensions of a standard baseball home plate. The bucket, baseplate and center tube are all connected. In at least some embodiments, center tube 103 is removable. Batting tee 104 is removable.

FIG. 3

FIG. 3 depicts the base plate 102 in the shape of a standard baseball home plate. Bucket 101 is affixed in a relatively central position of the base plate 102. A center flange 300 is attached to the bucket 101 and the base plate 102. Rising from the flange is center tube 103. One or more connectors affix bucket 101 to base plate 102 via center flange 300. Center tube 103 is integrated as a part of flange 300. In at least some embodiments, center tube 103 is separate from flange 300. In at least some embodiments, one or more of the connectors also attach center tube 103 to bucket 101. In at least some embodiments, center tube 103 is connected to bucket 101 via being sandwiched between flange 300 and bucket 101.

FIG. 4

FIG. 4 depicts how flange 300 is centered on the inside bottom of the bucket 101 which then is also fastened to the base plate 102. This means all three pieces, the bucket, the flange and the baseplate, are connected together. Center (or holding) tube 103 rises from the fixed flange to allow other tubing to be connected. As depicted, center tube 103 has a stepped profile from the end nearest to base plate 102 to the end nearest the opening of bucket 101. Holes 400 are aligned and placed through the flange, bucket and baseplate and secured with connectors. As depicted, bucket 101 is formed as a part of base plate 102. In at least some embodiments, bucket 101 is separate from and connected with base plate 102.

FIG. 5

FIG. 5 is a cross section of the STO device in a nesting position. The bucket 101 is placed upon the base plate 102 and then secured via holes in the center flange 300. A second bucket 501, similar in size and shape to bucket 101, nests inside the first bucket 101. There is a hole in the center bottom of the second bucket 501 allowing the center tube 103 to pass through the bottom of the bucket. There is then a third bucket 502, smaller than either of the first bucket 101 or the second bucket 501, that nests inside the second 501 and first bucket 101. There is a hole in the center of the third bucket 502 to allow the tubing to pass through the bottom of the bucket. There is a second center tube 503 that is smaller in size, e.g., diameter, than the first center tube 103 so that it can slide up/down inside of that tube. Second center tube 503 has an upper end portion having a larger diameter than the remainder of the center tube. In some embodiments, the upper end portion has a diameter sized to enable an upper end portion of center tube 103 to fit inside and support the second center tube 503. In some embodiments, the upper end portion of second center tube 503 has a smaller diameter than the remainder of the center tube allowing the second center tube 503 to fit inside the center tube 103.

There is a third tube 504 that is smaller in size, e.g., diameter, than tube 503 or 103 and slides inside of the second tube 503. Then, there is a lid 509 placed on top to secure everything in place. There is also a hole 511 in the center of the lid that is sized to allow the tubing to pass through. The lid 509 is double sided with locking lips at the periphery so the lid can be placed on the top of bucket 101 on either side.

The holes in the buckets 501 and 502 and lid 509 are wide enough to allow the tubing to pass through but not wide enough for any balls 510 to pass through. In some embodiments, balls 510 are approximately 2.7 inches in diameter. This allows the balls to nest inside the buckets and stay in place when removing the buckets from their nesting positions. In at least some embodiments, balls 510 have a larger or smaller diameter and hole 511 has a corresponding larger or smaller diameter. In at least some embodiments, hole 511 has a shape other than circular, e.g., square, rectangular, oval, or the like.

In this manner, the STO device has a compact size and shape for transport of the components of the STO device and additionally the transport of one or more balls 510 usable in conjunction with the STO device.

In at least some embodiments, the STO device comprises one or more additional buckets similar to second bucket 501 for nesting within base bucket 101. In at least some embodiments, the STO device comprises one or more additional nesting buckets similar to third bucket 502 for nesting within base bucket 101 or second bucket 501 or third bucket 502.

FIG. 6

FIG. 6 shows a cross section of the STO device with a nesting bucket of balls inside while the device is in a tee use position. This allows for balls 510 to be placed nearly inside the tee for ease of access by the user. The user can reach inside the smaller nesting bucket 502 and grab balls with ease to then place them upon the top of the tee rubber tubing 603. The smaller bucket 502 slides down inside the larger base bucket 101 with balls 510 inside. There is a center hole 605 in the bottom of the small bucket 502 which allows it to slide up/down over the holding tube 503. A rubber tube 607 is placed inside the holding tube 503 and is adjustable in height. In some embodiments, rubber tube 607 is set to height via aligning holes and a pin.

FIG. 7

FIG. 7 illustrates the STO device in use as a pitching caddie for users that are smaller in stature. This allows for the user to grab the ball with ease without having to bend all the way over to ground level to retrieve a ball before throwing. The base bucket 101, which is attached to base plate 102 via a flange 300 and connectors 700, works as a stand on which to place the smaller nesting bucket 502 on top of the base bucket once the lid 509 is placed on top of the base bucket. Connectors 700 pass through openings in base bucket 101 to secure the bucket to base plate 102.

There is a hole 511 in each of the center of the lid and base bucket allowing second tube 503, which is attached to the top of the center base tube 103, to pass through the bottom of the bucket to add stability to the product to help keep it from tipping over were it to be pushed by an outside force.

FIG. 8

FIG. 8 is a representation of the STO device in use as a pitching caddie for users that are taller in stature. The base bucket 101, which is attached to the base plate 102, acts as the base for the caddie. The lid 509, which is double sided to allow a bucket to be attached to it regardless of orientation, is then placed on top of the base bucket 101. The second bucket 501 is then inverted into an upside-down position and placed on the lid 509 and snaps into the lips to secure itself to the base bucket 101. The third smaller nesting bucket 502 is then placed on top of the second inverted bucket 501 thus allowing the user to reach the balls without bending over or while minimizing the amount of bending over required. The center base tube has a second tube 503 and third tube 504 attached atop to add stability to the product were it to be pushed by an outside force. Holes in all the center of all the buckets and lids allow the tubing to pass through all the way to the top bucket. As depicted, the height of the STO device in such a configuration is approximately 39 inches. In at least some embodiments, the height of the STO device in such a configuration is taller or shorter than 39 inches. In at least some embodiments, the height of the STO device varies based on the height of the individual components, i.e., base bucket 101, second bucket 501, and/or third bucket 502.

FIG. 9

FIG. 9 shows the STO device in use as a double play trainer. The all-connected core device of the base plate 102, base bucket 101, center flange 300 and center tube 103 act as the base for this form of the device as a training device to catch balls at an angle. One of the core purposes is to catch baseballs tossed in a soft manner to replicate the toss of that of a second baseman or shortstop to one another to begin a double play in the sport of baseball. With the base set up, the double-sided lid 509 is placed on top. There is a hole 701 in the center of the lid to allow for the tubing to pass through. Second tube 503 is placed on top of the center tube 103. This tube 503 passes up through the hole 701 in the lid 509. A second bucket 501 is then placed over the tube 503 at an angle of approximately 35 degrees with the tube passing through two holes in the sides of the bucket located accordingly to allow for the angle of the bucket. In at least some embodiments, the angle is greater or lesser than 35 degrees. In at least some embodiments, the angle is less than 90 degrees. In at least some embodiments, the angle is less than 60 degrees. If the angle is too large, the difficulty of the player being able to successfully put the ball into the opening of the bucket is increased. If the angle is too small, the difficulty of the player being able to successfully have the ball stay in the bucket is increased.

One hole 900 is a 2.5-inch hole that is placed 2.25 inches above the bottom of the bucket. In at least some embodiments, the hole diameter is larger or smaller than 2.5 inches. In at least some embodiments, the hole 900 is placed closer or farther from the bottom of the bucket.

Another hole 902 on the opposite side of the bucket is placed 8 inches up from the bottom of the bucket. In at least some embodiments, the hole 902 is placed closer or farther from the bottom of the bucket. By passing the tube 503 and a third tube 504 through hole 900 and up through the second hole 902, the bucket 501 is allowed to rest at an angle on top of the base bucket 101 and conjoining lid 509. The second bucket 501 can be adjusted in height along the path of the tubing. The second bucket 501 can then be slid up (e.g., to the position shown in dash-dot line form) and down the tubes 503 and 504 to adjust in height.

In at least one embodiment, the lid 509 is removed from the top of bucket 101 and bucket 501 is arranged on tube 503 at an angle and retained in position by interaction of bucket 501 with both tube 503 and the rim of bucket 101.

FIG. 10

FIG. 10 shows the STO device as a level throw catch. The all-connected base plate 102, base bucket 101, flange 300 and center base tube 103 act as a base for this form of the device. Second tube 503 is attached to the center base tube 103. A double-sided lid 509 is then placed on top of the base bucket. A hole in the center of the lid allows the tubing to pass through. The second bucket 501 is placed horizontally atop the second bucket sliding down over the tubing through holes in the side of the bucket 900 and 904. In this mode, the device is used as a target for throwing.

FIG. 11

FIG. 11 depicts the holes on one side of the second bucket 501 allowing for the varying configurations of the STO device. The holes are 2.5 inches wide. One hole 904 is placed 2.5 inches up from the bottom of the bucket. In at least some embodiments, hole 904 is placed closer or farther from the bottom of the bucket. Another hole 902 is placed 8 inches up from the bottom of the bucket. In at least some embodiments, hole 902 is placed closer or farther from the bottom of the bucket. These holes allow for the tubes to pass through the bucket but are small enough to keep balls 2.7 inches or wider from passing through. Holes 902 and 904 are vertically aligned along an axial length of the bucket 501. In some embodiments, holes 902 and 904 are not vertically aligned in order to provide a varied target for a player. In at least some embodiments, an additional hole is positioned above hole 501 opposite hole 902 in order to further vary the angular position possibilities for second bucket 501. The holes allow for the double play toss trainer and the level throwing target, among other configurations. In at least some embodiments, one or more additional holes are included in the side of bucket 501. In at least some embodiments, nesting bucket 502 comprises one or more holes similar to holes 901, 902, 904 in order for the nesting bucket 502 to be placed at an angle with respect to bucket 101 or bucket 501.

FIG. 12

FIG. 12 depicts the opposite side of the second bucket 501. The hole 900 is 2.5 inches wide. It is placed on the direct opposite side of the hole 904 in FIG. 11 but at the same height of 2.25 inches.

FIG. 13

FIG. 13 depicts the aligning center holes in the bottom of the buckets allowing them to nest inside one another while allowing the tubing 103 to pass through. The all-connected base plate 102, base bucket 101, flange 300, and center tube 103 allow the second bucket 501 to nest inside while a hole 701 in the center of the second bucket 501 allows the center tube 103 to pass through when in nested position. A third bucket 502 also has a hole 605 in the center to allow the center tube 103 to pass through. All of these allow the buckets to nest inside each other snug while not being impeded by the center tubing.

FIG. 14

FIG. 14 is a top view of the base of the product of the all-connected base plate 102, base bucket 101, flange 300, and center base tube 103.

FIG. 15

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the double-sided bucket lid 509 comprising two lids connected together. One lid 1501 is placed upside down on top of another lid 1502 and they are aligned and attached to one another via connectors 1503. This allows for the bucket to be connected to a bucket regardless of up and down orientation. It also allows for two buckets to be joined at the open tops allowing for them to be stackable and stable.

In at least some embodiments, lid 509 comprises a single formed unitary component instead of two separate lids connected together.

FIG. 16

FIG. 16 is a side view of the joined double-sided bucket lid 509. FIG. 16 depicts one lid 1501 with another lid 1502 placed atop of it. This allows for coupling lips 1600 to be on both sides of the lid for ease of connection and orientation to bucket 101 or 501.

FIG. 17

FIG. 17 is a top view of the double-sided lid 509. There are four connectors 1503 that conjoin the two lids together. There is hole 511 in the center of the lid to allow the tubing to pass through.

FIG. 18

FIG. 18 is a top, perspective view of another embodiment of the STO device of FIG. 3. FIG. 18 depicts a modification of the core model. In this variation, a base bucket 1802 (similar to base bucket 101) is removable from a base 1801 (similar to base 102) via a twist and lock function. Connectors 700 are attached to the base and pass through the opening 400 in a keyhole shaped opening in the base of bucket 1802. The bucket 1802 is then twisted to lock it in place on the base 1801. There is a hole 1803 in the bottom of the bucket to allow for a center tube 1804, that is attached to the base 1801, to pass through the bottom of the bucket.

FIG. 19

FIG. 19 is a cross-section view of the STO device of FIG. 18, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 19 depicts a cross section of twist and lock connectors 700 which are attached to the base plate 1801. The base bucket 1802 is then set atop the base plate with the connectors passing through the openings to secure it to the base plate 1801. The center tube 1804 is attached to the base plate 1801. There is a hole 1803 in the bottom of the bucket to allow the tube to pass through. In at least some embodiments, tube 1804 has a height less than a height of bucket 1802. In at least some embodiments, tube 1804 has a height greater than a height of bucket 1802.

FIG. 20

FIG. 20 is a cross-section view of the STO device of FIG. 18 along with two additional buckets, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 20 is a cross section of the entire device in the twist lock variation of the product. The bottom bucket 1802 is attached to the base plate 1801 via connectors 700 that pass through openings in the bottom of the bucket. A second bucket 2004 (similar to second bucket 501) then nests inside the base bucket 1802. The center tube 1804 is attached to the base 1801 and passes through all buckets. The smaller bucket 2006 (similar to bucket 502) nests inside the second bucket 2004. The smaller tubing 2008 (similar to tubing 504) nests inside a slightly larger tube 2007 (similar to tubing 503 and that nests inside the larger center tube 1804. The double-sided lid 2009 (similar to lid 509) is placed on top securing all the balls 510 inside the product. There is a hole 2011 (similar to hole 511) in the lid 2009 but it is not large enough of a hole for the balls to pass through. There is storage room in the bottom of the second bucket 2004 for a net 2012 which is usable in another function of the product. In some embodiments, net 2012 is able to be stored below bucket 2004 and above bucket 1802.

FIG. 21

FIG. 21 is a top, perspective exploded view of the STO device of FIG. 22, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 21 depicts the nesting capabilities in the twist and lock variation of the device. The base plate 1801 has connectors 700 which allow the bottom bucket 1802 to attach to the base plate 1801. The bottom bucket 1802 slides down a center tube 2104 which passes through a hole 2105 in the bottom of the bucket. The second bucket 2004 then slides down into the bottom bucket 1802 while the center tube 2104 passes through a hole 2107 in the second bucket. The third (smallest) bucket 2006 is then placed into the second bucket 2004 while allowing the center tube 2104 to pass through a hole 2109 in the bottom of the bucket 2006.

FIG. 22

FIG. 22 is a plan view of the STO device of FIG. 18 in an unlocked state, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 22 depicts how the bottom bucket 1802 attaches to the base plate 1801 in the twist and lock variation of the device. The base plate 1801 is attached to the bottom bucket 1802 via connectors 700 that pass through the large end of a key hole shaped opening in the bottom of bucket 1802. The center tube 2104 is connected to the base plate 1801 and passes through the hole in the bottom of the bucket 1802.

FIG. 23

FIG. 23 is a plan view of the STO device of FIG. 18 in a locked state, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 23 depicts the twist and lock functionality of this variation of the device. The bottom bucket 1802 is placed on the base plate 1801 with the connectors 700 passing through the keyhole shaped opening. The bucket 1802 is then twisted (direction toward A) so the connectors 700 are then turned into the small area of the opening thus connecting the bucket securely to the base plate 1801.

FIG. 24

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an STO device in a baseball net configuration, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 24 depicts the baseball catch net function of the device. A base plate 2401 (similar to base plate 102) and center tube 2402 (similar to center tube 103) work as the base for this function. The second, slightly smaller, tube 2403 (similar to tubing 503) is placed on top of the center tube 2402. The third, slightly smaller than the second, tube 2404 (similar to tubing 504) is placed on top of the second pipe 2403. The fourth, smallest, tube 2405 (similar to tube 607) is then placed on top of the third pipe 2404. A net 2406 is then attached to a fence at 5 feet in height via a rope 2407 and a hook link 2408. In at least some embodiments, the fence height is taller or shorter than 5 feet. The other side of the net 2406 is attached to a rope 2409 which passes through a hole 2410 in the top tube 2405 that is then run to the ground and anchored via a spike 2411. In at least some embodiments, the rope 2409 passes through hole 2410 to another fence portion for attachment. The tension of the rope 2409 via the spike and the ground, the tension of the other rope 2407 via the link to the fence, and the base plate 2401 stabilize the net and allow it to stand. The user is then able to throw or hit balls into the net.

The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand the aspects of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A sport training and organization (STO) device, comprising: a base plate; a bucket connected with the base plate and having an opening at one end distal from the base plate; and a tee connected with the bucket.
 2. The STO device of claim 1, wherein the tee is an extensible tee.
 3. The STO device of claim 2, wherein the tee is extensible in a longitudinal direction.
 4. The STO device of claim 2, wherein the tee is extensible to a height above the top of the bucket.
 5. The STO device of claim 1, wherein the base plate is pentagonal-shaped in plan view.
 6. The STO device of claim 1, further comprising a second bucket configured to be nested at least partially within the bucket.
 7. The STO device of claim 6, wherein the second bucket is substantially the same size as the bucket.
 8. The STO device of claim 6, wherein the second bucket has an opening formed in a bottom of the second bucket for receiving the tee therethrough.
 9. The STO device of claim 8, wherein the second bucket has an inner sidewall extending into the second bucket from the periphery of the opening.
 10. The STO device of claim 6, further comprising a third bucket configured to be nested at least partially within the bucket.
 11. The STO device of claim 10, wherein the third bucket is configured to be nested at least partially within the second bucket.
 12. The STO device of claim 6, wherein the tee is extensible above the top of the second bucket.
 13. The STO device of claim 1, wherein the base plate and the bucket are integrally formed as a single unit.
 14. The STO device of claim 8, further comprising a double-sided lid attached to the top of the bucket and covering the bucket opening, and wherein the second bucket is positioned on the double-sided lid and having the tee extensible through the opening in the bottom of the second bucket.
 15. The STO device of claim 8, wherein the second bucket is positioned on the top of the bucket such that the opening for receiving the tee therethrough is distal from the bucket.
 16. The STO device of claim 15, further comprising a third bucket positioned outside the second bucket and on the bottom of the second bucket, and wherein the third bucket has an opening formed in a bottom thereof for receiving the tee therethrough.
 17. The STO device of claim 6, wherein the second bucket has at least one hole formed in a side thereof for receiving the tee therethrough.
 18. The STO device of claim 6, wherein the second bucket has at least two holes formed in opposite sides thereof for receiving the tee therethrough.
 19. The STO device of claim 18, wherein the at least two holes are formed in the side of the second bucket at a same distance from a bottom of the second bucket.
 20. The STO device of claim 18, wherein the at least two holes are formed in the side of the second bucket at different distances from a bottom of the second bucket. 